Gas safety first
If you smell gas near your range or oven, don't turn on lights, appliances or anything that could create a spark. Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Don't return until the utility says it's safe. Gas appliances should be repaired by someone with the training and equipment to work on gas safely.
Oven problems
- Won't heat or heats slowly. In electric ovens, a failed bake or broil element, a faulty temperature sensor, or a control problem. In gas ovens, a weak or failed igniter is one of the most common causes; the igniter must get hot enough to open the gas valve, and a weak one glows but doesn't light the burner.
- Uneven baking or wrong temperature. A failing sensor, an element that heats only partly, a door gasket that leaks heat, or a convection fan that isn't working. An oven thermometer helps confirm whether the oven is off temperature.
- Self-clean problems. A door that won't unlock after a cleaning cycle, or a fuse or thermal cutoff that blows during self-cleaning, which runs at very high temperatures.
- Error codes. Many modern ovens display codes that point to sensor, control or door lock faults. Note the code before you call.
Cooktop and range problems
- Gas burner won't light. Burner caps not seated properly, clogged burner ports, a wet or dirty igniter, or a failed spark module. Clicking that doesn't stop can point to moisture or a faulty switch.
- Uneven or yellow flames. Clogged burner ports or incorrect air-to-gas mixture. Gas flames should be mostly blue. Persistent yellow or orange flames, soot, or a strong odor should be checked.
- Electric coil element doesn't heat. A failed element, loose connection, or a faulty infinite switch.
- Smooth-top element problems. A failed element, a switch or control fault, or a cracked glass top. A cracked cooktop should not be used.
- Induction cooktop issues. Pans not recognized because they're not magnetic, error codes or overheating protection. Check that cookware works with induction.
What a technician checks
1. Your description of the problem and any error codes. 2. Power or gas supply to the appliance. 3. Testing of igniters, elements, sensors, switches and controls. 4. Door seals and hinges. 5. For gas appliances, a check for leaks at connections and correct flame. 6. A written diagnosis and repair price.
Repair or replace?
Common repairs, such as igniters, elements, sensors, switches and door gaskets, are usually worth doing on a range in otherwise good condition. Expensive control boards on older units, or extensive damage, may make replacement more sensible. If you switch from gas to induction or electric, check whether your kitchen has the right electrical circuit; an electrician may need to add one.
Carbon monoxide
Gas ranges and ovens produce combustion byproducts. Use the range hood when cooking, and have a working carbon monoxide alarm in the home. Never use a gas oven to heat the house.
Questions to ask
- What failed, and how did you confirm it?
- For gas appliances, did you check for leaks after the repair?
- What will the repair cost, including parts and labor?
- How long do you warranty the repair?
Range hoods
A range hood that doesn't pull well, rattles or leaves grease on cabinets may have clogged filters, a failing fan motor or a blocked duct. Clean metal filters regularly, and have the fan and duct checked if cleaning doesn't help.